James says: "It's a crushing blow for Liverpool. Everything has been geared towards his comeback on Sunday at Crystal Palace. Everyone knows they are in desperate need of a lift after three straight defeats. Sturridge's return was the great hope that he could trigger a transformation in a season of struggle.

"His participation at Selhurst Park is looking highly unlikely and the fear is, because it is the same thigh that he hurt back in September, that he's facing a significant spell on the sidelines."